New York Democrats have no plans to attend Senate session called by GOP

Sen. David Valesky, D-Oneida, spent this morning in a closed-door meeting with the Senate Democratic Conference discussing Monday's Republican revolt to seize control of the Senate chamber.

Then, it was back to normal legislative work, he said.

"I've spent most of my day meeting with constituents," Valesky said. He met with a group of realtors from Syracuse and a group of carpenters from around Central New York.

"I think it's important to note that the hijacking of the Senate yesterday is precluding the work of the people from being done. I'm going to continue to meet with the people who want to meet with me."

As far as predictions for what will happen Wednesday -- when Senate Republicans plan to convene a Senate session -- Valesky said only time will tell. Democrats don't plan to attend the proceedings.

"If we don't recognize the session as having taken place, there's no reason to be there," Valesky said. "We continue to take the belief that the actions that were taken yesterday were unlawful, and we remain the duly elected majority. From our perspective as a majority, we have not called for a session. If they are going to convene a session inside the Senate chamber or outside, it's not a recognized lawful act, and I would assume that any action taken may not be valid."

Ultimately, a judge will likely decide who is rightfully in power and which decisions stick.

"There are legal conversations going on," Valesky said.

Valesky couldn't speculate about whether this year's Legislative session will end Monday, as scheduled. It could be extended, he said. Or the governor could call a special session.

"There's no way to predict," he said. "Hopefully, this will be resolved very soon. The sooner we get back to doing the people's business, the better."